York signs with Americans

The Rochester Americans announced today that the club has signed veteran left wing Mike York to a one-year American Hockey League contract.

York appeared in 75 games with the Syracuse Crunch last season and recorded 11 goals and 47 assists for a team-high 58 points. He also played in one National Hockey League game with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Over his 10-year career, York has played in 579 NHL games with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus, compiling 127 goals, 195 assists and 135 penalty minutes.

“It’s a great day for Amerks Hockey,” said Amerks VP of hockey operations Ted Nolan. “To get a player of Mike’s caliber will help some of the younger guys develop their skills and help us win some hockey games.”

“He is a big part of me going there,” said York about Nolan, for whom he played 32 games with the Islanders during the 2006-07 season. “He is a great person and is trying to build a great team.”

York was originally selected by the Rangers in the sixth round (136th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. In 1999-2000, he was a member of the NHL’s All-Rookie Team after collecting 26 goals and 24 assists with the Rangers. His most productive NHL season was in 2001-02 when he tallied 61 points (20g, 41a) in 81 games with the Rangers and Edmonton. He also earned a silver medal as a member of Team USA at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

The Waterford, Mich., native played four seasons at Michigan State University (CCHA) before turning pro, notching 79 goals, 122 assists and 141 penalty minutes in 158 games. He was a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist and an NCAA West First All-American in 1998 and 1999 and was the CCHA Player of the Year in 1999.